Rafting at Rishikesh

Season:- October till mid June

Distance from Delhi: - 230 km.

Nearest Airport: - Jolly Grant, Dehradun.

Nearest Railway station: - Haridwar.

White water rafting is an adventurous activity which is done on inflatable boats or raft on a river which consist of rapids to add pleasure to the pax in the raft. The rapids are graded from I to VI depending on the danger level.

White water rafting has gained popularity in India. Rishikesh is considered as the rafting hub of India for beginners where rafting is done on the holy river Ganga. The Ganges consist rapids  a maximum  grades of IV; however the grades of the rapid changes and depend on the level of water in the river. To experience the real rafting at The Ganges we should raft at least for 3 days starting from Devprayag.

There are lots of options for accommodation at Rishikesh, but the real fun is staying at the beach camp on the bank of river Ganga where you can enjoy the sound of the river water, the chirping of  the birds and insects , the wind etc. When you wake up early in the morning on the bank of the river Ganga you feel so fresh and energetic accompanied with the morning tea.

Note: - If you really want to enjoy the nature then select camp site which are isolated or away from the busy areas.

 Many companies offer such facilities which may vary from Rs 1200/- to Rs 3500/- per day which includes a rafting trip, accommodation, food etc. there are around 35 of beach camps in Rishikesh run by the local organizations as well as by big adventure tourism companies.

Rafting stretch option in Rishikesh:-

Option 1: - Rafting from Devprayag- Kodiyala (31 km)

Drive to Devprayag. In this stretch of rafting you will experience the beautiful scenery with option to spot various kinds of birds and wild goat. This section is more or less gentle with only Grade III rapid named‘Daniel Dip’ near Kodiyala. If you love to collect driftwood then this is the right section to do so, where you will find wood that varies in different shape, size, weight etc.

Asked the service provider for packed lunch, this will be served on the river beach while rafting down.

Option 2: - Rafting from Kodiala- Shivpuri (16 km)

This section of the stretch consists of rapids like ‘The Wall’ Grade IV + rapid before Marine Drive. From Marine Drive to Shivpuri consists of rapids with Grades I, II and III. ‘Three Blind Mice’ Grade III is a major rapid in this section. Beside this there are other rapids like Black Money, Return to the Sender etc.

Option 3: - Rafting from Shivpuri- Rishikesh (15 km)

In this section you will find rapids varies from the Grade II, III and III +. The major rapids in this section are ‘Roller Coaster’ and ‘Golf Course’ before Bhrampuri.

There is an option of cliff jumping from a base of about 18 ft (which varies on the water level). You will also find Maggie and tea stalls at the cliff jumping point which tastes much more better than usual after rafting for the whole day in the cold water.

These three options can be completed in three days, but if you are ready for hard work &  full of adventure then it can be completed in two days by combining Option 2 and 3, and then asked the service provider for packed lunch during the trip which adds an extra bonus.

Safety is the most important aspect during rafting. Please do check about the service provider and equipment quality before rafting, though The Ganges is regarded as the safest river for rafting still a lot of accidents happens due to ignorance & negligence . A Safety kayaker accompanying the raft is a must during a trip and always make it sure that this comes with the trip.  As the saying goes "Precaution Is better than cure ". Few things that the service provider will provide you during rafting is helmet, life-jacket, paddle and even some  of them provide wet suits. Safety instruction before rafting is an important part since it will provide information of Do’s and Don’ts during rafting so Ears wide open during briefing. :)

Happy Paddling...